Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Depression & Fatigue Questions

Ivy

By Ivy
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

Ivy Rookie
Ivy
Posted

Has anyone else had problems with depression AFTER going gluten-free, and what do you think helps that? My other question is, how long after going gluten-free did you find your energy levels improving? I realize these are personal questions, but I'm getting really put out with myself and would like to know if anyone else experienced similar problems.

Ivy

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted
Has anyone else had problems with depression AFTER going gluten-free, and what do you think helps that? My other question is, how long after going gluten-free did you find your energy levels improving? I realize these are personal questions, but I'm getting really put out with myself and would like to know if anyone else experienced similar problems.

Ivy

Hi Ivy--I had anxiety and some depression before being diagnosed. I would say it took about 4-5 months before I saw any improvement with those. My energy levels are still not where they should be after a year. I personally think a lot depends on how long you were sick before going gluten-free. Keep at it, things will improve, really--it just takes time :)

evie Rookie
evie
Posted

Has anyone else had problems with depression AFTER going gluten-free, and what do you think helps that? My other question is, how long after going gluten-free did you find your energy levels improving? I realize these are personal questions, but I'm getting really put out with myself and would like to know if anyone else experienced similar problems.

Ivy

Sure did, I was still having serious diarrhea 3 months after gluten free, that is enough to take you down energy and spirit wise. But soon after that "D" tapered off and everything started to improve, have gained back a few pounds and do not care if do not gain much more, was 15 to 20 lbs bit too heavy. My energy has not come back as fast as I had hope but I will be 78 years 9/17/06, so what can I expect?? B) many of us have felt things should improve much faster than they do and just depends on how long people have been sick and I believe the younger people will recuperate faster, it just works that way!! :) Hang in here and learn along with the rest of us, I have learned so much here from all the others who have it or have relatives/ gluten problems. Best of luck to you. evie :)

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

Ivy:

What you are experiencing is very normal. You most likely have been deficient in many vit's that you body needs to function normally.

After I was dx'd, my NEW doctor gave me B-12 shots ever week for four weeks. I made a very grand difference in how I felt. Perhaps you could look into that.

Depression, yes, that is a component of celiac disease. Even thought you are on the road to recovery, it does not mean that your body is healed. I say body, and I am also refering to your brain (it is also an organ, which needs the proper food to function properly.) Everything is out of wack right now.

Be patient, try B-12 shots and if you feel you need, Lexipro works very well for me. An anti-depressant is not out of order. In any lifestyle change, there is stress and anxiety.

It will take some time to really feel like your old self again. I will be gluten free (as always, as best as I am able) since last August when dx'd. The diet gets easier, eating out never does. That's the pitts of this diet. My husband says that I am now a cheap dinner date. (Lettuce, and I bring the dressing and it takes the fun out of eating out for me). I do miss French dinners, with lots of creams and sauces.

Lucky for me, I can duplicate those dinners with a few substitutions and we do eat very well and tasty.

Hang in there, it's just a matter of time and information. :)

Lisa

taz sharratt Enthusiast
taz sharratt
Posted
Has anyone else had problems with depression AFTER going gluten-free, and what do you think helps that? My other question is, how long after going gluten-free did you find your energy levels improving? I realize these are personal questions, but I'm getting really put out with myself and would like to know if anyone else experienced similar problems.

Ivy

i also had depresion after diagnoses and my energy levels went to zero really quickly, ive been gluten-free since mid may and im only just starting to feel the positive effects of a gluten-free diet. it will improve but sometimes it can take some time to feel better. stick with gluten-free diet as it will come to you and you will learn how to eat right to get the energy you need, the emotionall thing will be up and down for a while and with me gets worse if i get accidentliy glutend. this will get better over time, your doing really well, keep at it and you will soon feel the beneits. best of luck. taz.

StrongerToday Enthusiast
StrongerToday
Posted

My anxiety went through the roof about 3 months after being gluten-free. I was SO worried about everything that I ate. I was also not going out, doing things,seeing friends, etc. cause it was just easier (and less worries) to stay home. Finally I realized I was turning into crazy cat lady and was not happy. My dr. prescribed Lexapro and I feel so good now - body and mind!

murlene Rookie
murlene
Posted

Hi All, Yes, I find that my energy levels are really low, hard to take on anything extra. I have been on Lexapro for the depression and it has helped alot. I can really tell the difference. I hope you take courage in the fact that we are all in this together and care about each other! Hang in there and see your doctor for sure if the depression is bad as it's not something to fool around with. You deserve to feel good! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


key Contributor
key
Posted

I too had depression and low energy. AFter struggling for a year, I finally started taking Lexapro. I have been on it two months and feel SO much better. I can definitely tell a difference. I don't have any side effects from it so far. At first I had a headache for two days and a bit of nausea for a few days. Also had insomnia for a couple of days, but since then it has really helped. I am a natural girl and had tried EVERYTHING. I finally started taking it for my digestive system, because some of my continued stomach problems seemed to be stressed related. It was a vicious cycle. I have been gluten free for over a year now.

Hang in there.

Monica

kbtoyssni Contributor
kbtoyssni
Posted

I first noticed that my depression and fatigue were gone about eight months after going gluten-free. I suppose it was gradually getting better that whole time. One day I woke up and realized that my life was so much better!

bluejeangirl Contributor
bluejeangirl
Posted

Ivy,....Have you suffered from depression before? Some people get depressed because they miss the foods they once ate if thats what you mean. I don't think you do though, I'm guessing its probably due to not getting the nutrients from the foods you ate. Make sure you take suppliments and especially B-vits that are yeast free.

Look into maintaining your blood sugar levels at an even keel. I made that mistake, I got caught up in a thread that everyone named their favorite gluten free food. I ended buying all these new interesting gluten free mixes and cookies, snacks and cereals. Before you know it I was all weepy and cried over every little thing. Well I was having highs and lows from spikes in blood sugars. You can google hypoglycemia or read up on low carb diets.

Natural mood lifters SAMe, St. Johns Wort, Kava, 5 htp, and a nice strong cup of coffee works for me at times...but one cup.

And many have been helped by anti depressants, I know my sister has. I'll leave that advice up to those who follow it. I don't know enough about it.

I hope you find you path to healing,...dn't be hard on yourself, you are loved. There is a reason for everything. God's got a plan for your life thats specific only to you.

gail

debbiewil Rookie
debbiewil
Posted

Depression and fatigue can both be signs of hypothyroidism, which is often associated with celiac. If you think that might be your problem, ask for the blood tests. You need Free T3, Free T4 and antibody tests, as hypothyroid can be an autoimmune disease (Hashimoto's hypothyroidism). The doctor my want to do TSH test, which may give false negatives, Total T3 and T4 tests, or Uptake testst none of which really useful. Insist on the Frees.

Debbie

KCMISSINBREAD Newbie
KCMISSINBREAD
Posted
:( HAVING THOSE SYMTOMS NOW. JUST DXS LAST 6MOS. NOT FEELING SO HOT AND JUST WHEN YOU THINK ITS A GOOD DAY THINGS TURN CRAZY. EXCESSIVE BLOAT, CRYING, HEADACHE, ECT. ONLY 33 TOO YOUNG FOR THIS. JUST TRYING TO COPE DAILY. ANYONE KNOW OF SUPPORT GROUP IN MO. OR KS.
jknnej Collaborator
jknnej
Posted

I think there must be something going on with going gluten free.

After going gluten free 18 months ago, my stomach felt better than it had my entire life.

BUT I started getting depression and anxiety which I had not experienced before. I think it is because a lot of carbs have gluten and carbs affect levels of serotonin in your brain.

Anyhow, I personally tried everything in the book to get rid of it and finally after the recommendation of 2 doctors, started anti-depressants. I take Lexapro now. I am now the happiest I have ever been because my stomach feels better and I am no longer depressed or suffering from terrible anxiety like I was.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. AlwaysLearning
      - AlwaysLearning replied to Colleen H's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      3

      Gluten related ??

      Get tested for vitamin deficiencies. Though neuropathy can be a symptom of celiac, it can also be caused by deficiencies due to poor digestion caused by celiac and could be easier to treat.
    2. Colleen H
      - Colleen H replied to Colleen H's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      3

      Gluten related ??

      Thank you so much for your response Yes it seems as though things get very painful as time goes on. I'm not eating gluten as far as I know. However, I'm not sure of cross contamination. My system seems to weaken to hidden spices and other possibilities. ??? if cross contamination is possible...I am in a super sensitive mode of celiac disease...
    3. Jmartes71
      - Jmartes71 replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      4

      My only proof

      EXACTLY! I was asked yesterday on my LAST video call with Standford and I stated exactly yes absolutely this is why I need the name! One, get proper care, two, not get worse.Im falling apart, stressed out, in pain and just opened email from Stanford stating I was rude ect.I want that video reviewed by higher ups and see if that women still has a job or not...
    4. AlwaysLearning
      - AlwaysLearning replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      4

      My only proof

      We feel your pain. It took me 20+ years of regularly going to doctors desperate for answers only to be told there was nothing wrong with me … when I was 20 pounds underweight, suffering from severe nutritional deficiencies, and in a great deal of pain. I had to figure it out for myself. If you're in the U.S., not having an official diagnosis does m...
    5. AlwaysLearning
      - AlwaysLearning replied to Colleen H's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      3

      Gluten related ??

      If you're just starting out in being gluten free, I would expect it to take months before you learned enough about hidden sources of gluten before you stopped making major mistakes. Ice cream? Not safe unless they say it is gluten free. Spaghetti sauce? Not safe unless is says gluten-free. Natural ingredients? Who knows what's in there. You pretty much...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,084
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    bigwave
    Newest Member
    bigwave
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • AlwaysLearning
      Gluten related ??

      By AlwaysLearning · Posted

      Get tested for vitamin deficiencies.  Though neuropathy can be a symptom of celiac, it can also be caused by deficiencies due to poor digestion caused by celiac and could be easier to treat.
    • Colleen H
      Gluten related ??

      By Colleen H · Posted

      Thank you so much for your response  Yes it seems as though things get very painful as time goes on.  I'm not eating gluten as far as I know.  However, I'm not sure of cross contamination.  My system seems to weaken to hidden spices and other possibilities. ???  if cross contamination is possible...I am in a super sensitive mode of celiac disease.. Neuropathy from head to toes
    • Jmartes71
      My only proof

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      EXACTLY! I was asked yesterday on my LAST video call with Standford and I stated exactly yes absolutely this is why I need the name! One, get proper care, two, not get worse.Im falling apart, stressed out, in pain and just opened email from Stanford stating I was rude ect.I want that video reviewed by higher ups and see if that women still has a job or not.Im saying this because I've been medically screwed and asking for help because bills don't pay itself. This could be malpratice siit but im not good at finding lawyers
    • AlwaysLearning
      My only proof

      By AlwaysLearning · Posted

      We feel your pain. It took me 20+ years of regularly going to doctors desperate for answers only to be told there was nothing wrong with me … when I was 20 pounds underweight, suffering from severe nutritional deficiencies, and in a great deal of pain. I had to figure it out for myself. If you're in the U.S., not having an official diagnosis does mean you can't claim a tax deduction for the extra expense of gluten-free foods. But it can also be a good thing. Pre-existing conditions might be a reason why a health insurance company might reject your application or charge you more money. No official diagnosis means you don't have a pre-existing condition. I really hope you don't live in the U.S. and don't have these challenges. Do you need an official diagnosis for a specific reason? Else, I wouldn't worry about it. As long as you're diligent in remaining gluten free, your body should be healing as much as possible so there isn't much else you could do anyway. And there are plenty of us out here who never got that official diagnosis because we couldn't eat enough gluten to get tested. Now that the IL-2 test is available, I suppose I could take it, but I don't feel the need. Someone else not believing me really isn't my problem as long as I can stay in control of my own food.
    • AlwaysLearning
      Gluten related ??

      By AlwaysLearning · Posted

      If you're just starting out in being gluten free, I would expect it to take months before you learned enough about hidden sources of gluten before you stopped making major mistakes. Ice cream? Not safe unless they say it is gluten free. Spaghetti sauce? Not safe unless is says gluten-free. Natural ingredients? Who knows what's in there. You pretty much need to cook with whole ingredients yourself to avoid it completely. Most gluten-free products should be safe, but while you're in the hypersensitive phase right after going gluten free, you may notice that when something like a microwave meal seems to not be gluten-free … then you find out that it is produced in a shared facility where it can become contaminated. My reactions were much-more severe after going gluten free. The analogy that I use is that you had a whole army of soldiers waiting for some gluten to attack, and now that you took away their target, when the stragglers from the gluten army accidentally wander onto the battlefield, you still have your entire army going out and attacking them. Expect it to take two years before all of the training facilities that were producing your soldiers have fallen into disrepair and are no longer producing soldiers. But that is two years after you stop accidentally glutening yourself. Every time you do eat gluten, another training facility can be built and more soldiers will be waiting to attack. Good luck figuring things out.   
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.